Flash welder control means



April 7, 1954 K. A. DOUTT FLASH WELDER CONTROL MEANS 12 Sheets-Shed 1 Filed Nov. 8, 1948 INVENTOR. Kmesuzr A. Dou'r'r BY 000 0.00 i. 0000000 m u Q/ kw \w \N N \N Q \\\ww IN IQQ N lw All M Id my 7 N Q Jed W April 27, 1954 K. A. DOUTT 2,677,034

FLASH WELDER CONTROL MEANS Filed Nov. 8, 1948 l2 Sheets-Sheet 2 yo "I?! 1 11-7 INVENTOR. KmesLEY A DouTT April 27, 1954 A, DOUTT 2,677,034

FLASH WELDER CONTROL MEANS Filed Nov. 8, 1948 12 Sheets-Sheet 3 17d 2% -rf fi 2w a a; 7 m" 4? 100 ma 1% 17m 21/ INVENTOR.

KINGSLEY A- A Tram/E r April 27, 1954 DOUTT 2,677,034

FLASH WELDER CONTROL MEANS Filed Nov. 8, 1948 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR.

K\NG5LET A-DOUTT' A TTOK/VE) April 27, 1954 K. A. DOUTT FLASH WELDER CONTROL MEANS 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 8, 1948 INVENTOR rig NGSLET AMDOUTT ZwL/Mw A TTOAA/E/ April 7 1954 K. A. DouTT 2,677,034

FLASH WELDER CONTROL MEANS Filed Nov. 8, 1948 12 Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR. KWGSLEY A- DouTT Z WWW ATTORNEY April 27, 1954 A, DOUTT FLASH WELDER CONTROL MEANS l2 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Nov. 8, 1948 INVENTOR. lg mean A. DouTT ATTORNf Y April 27, 1954 K. A. DOUTT FLASH WELDER CONTROL MEANS l2 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Nov. 8, 1948 INVENTOR. K|NG5LEY A- Do T ZuzA/MM ATTORNEY April 7 1954 K. A. DOUTT FLASH WELDER CONTROL MEANS 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Nov. 8, 1948 INVENTOR. KINGSLEY A. Dom-r Z/Wan Q NH April 27, 1954 K. A. DOUTT FLASH -WELDER CONTROL MEANS 12 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Nov. 8, 1948 LYINGSLEY A- DOUTT A Tram/5y April 27, 1954 K DOUTT FLASH WELDER CONTROL MEANS 12 Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed Nov. 8, 1948 INVENTOR. KlNGSLEY A.Dou-rT Arm-Fwy Patented Apr. 27, 1954 v FLASH WELDER CONTROL MEANS Kingsley A. Doutt, Cortland, Ohio, assignor to Federal Machine and Welder Company, Warren, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application November 8, 1948, Serial No. 58,845

12 Claims. 1

My invention relates to control valves, more particularly to control valves for electric resistance welding apparatus, and the principal o ject of my invention is to provide new and improved control valves of this character.

In the drawings accompanyin this specification, and forming a part of this application, there is shown, for purposes of illustration, an embodiment which my invention may assume, and in these drawings:

Figure 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a flash welder, showing one application of my invention,

Figure 1a is a fragmentary schematic view of a switching arrangement,

Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the structure shown in Figure 1,

Figure 3 is an enlarged top plan view of the control valve which forms the subject matter of my invention,

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the valve shown in Figure 3,

Figure 5 is a sectional view corresponding generally to the line 55 of Figure 4,

Figure 6 is a sectional view corresponding generally to the line 'E-6 of Figure 5,

Figure 7 is a plan view of the valve body, with certain cooperating parts omitted,

Figures 8 and 9 are sectional views respectively corresponding generally to the lines 8-43 and respondin generally to the line of Figure 5,

Figure 11a is a fragmentary sectional view, showing parts of Figure 11 in a starting position,

Figure 11?) i a schematic view of aswitching arrangement,

Figure 12 is an enlarged sectional view corresponding generally to the line |2|2 of Figure 5,

Figure 13 is an enlarged sectional view correspondin generally to the line |3|3 of Figure 5,

Figure 14 is a generally schematic view, with parts in section, showing the valve in one position,

Figure 15 is a generally schematic view of a detail, with parts shown in section,

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 14, with parts in another position, and with parts omitted,

Figure l? is an enlarged perspective view of an adjustment construction,

Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the parts comprising the adjustment shown in Figure 1'7,

Figure 19 is an enlarged perspective view of another adjustment construction,

Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of the parts comprising the adjustment shown in Figure 19, and

Figure 21 is an electrical wiring diagram used in the control of the valve.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the embodiment of my invention is shown as used with a flash welder, although it will be appreciated that such showing is for illustration purposes, and that my invention has uses other than that particularly disclosed herein.

A flash welder of usual construction comprises a base 20 supporting various mechanism, certain of which need not be described to understand the herein disclosed application of the invention.

Mounted on the base is a pair of jaws 2| and 22, the jaw 2| being fixed rigidly with the base, and the jaw 22 being mounted for pivotal movement with respect to the jaw 2|. These jaws comprise the stationary work engagin clamps.

Slidable with respect to the base is a platen 23 carrying a pair of jaws 24 and 25, the jaw 24 being fixed rigidly with the platen 23, and the jaw 25 being mounted for pivotal movement with respect to the jaw 24. These jaws comprise the movable work engaging clamps.

Fluid means, such as the air cylinder 26, may be used to effect clamping and unclamping action of each pair of jaws. In operation, one piece of work may be clamped in the jaws 2|, 22 and the other piece of Work may be clamped in the jaws 24, 25. The platen is then actuated so as to move the work clamped in the jaws 24, 25 toward the work clamped in the jaws 2 I, 22. At a predetermined time, electrical current is passed between the pairs of jaws, thus heating the adjoining ends of the work to fusion temperature, and pressure is applied to effect the weld. The application of current and pressure, and the termination of such application, depends largely on whether it is intended to butt weld or flashweld the metal pieces of work.

Fluid means, such as the hydraulic cylinder 21, is usually provided to effect movement of the platen 23, and my invention is herein shown as applied to control of actuation of such cylinder.

Referring particularly to Figures 5 and 6, the herein disclosed embodiment of my invention comprises a valve body 28, having spaced-apart cross-bores 29, 3E! and 3|. The bore 29 has communication with the bore 30 through passages 32 and 33, and the bore 30 has communication with the bore 3| through passages 34 and 35. As best seen in Figure 6, the bores 30 and M, at portions in line with the passages 3d, 35, have enlargements 3% to facilitate communication during op-- eration of valve members hereinafter to be decribed.

As best illustrated in Figure 14, a pair of exhaust passages 31 and 38 extend longitudinally of the body 28, at a lower portion thereof, the passages being connected together by a crosspassage 39, and communicating with line 40 which is adapted to return fluid to a reservoir 4|. The passages 31 and 32 communicate with opposite ends of the cross-bore 29, by means of upright passages 42. Fluid from the bore 3i is exhausted by a passage 45 connected to a line 46 leading to the reservoir ii. Extending upwardly in the body 28 from respective passages 34, 3-5 are two passages 41, d8 which are respectively connected to lines 60, 50 leading to opposite ends of the cylinder 21.

Referring particularly to Figures 5, Sand 11, a sleeve 55 is fixed within the bore 29 and has annular undercut spaced-apart portions 56, 51, 58, 59, 60 forming lands therebetween. A sleeve is slidable within the sleeve 55, having slid ing engagement with certain of the lands mentioned, and the sleeve 6| has sets of spaced-apart apertures 62, G3, 64, and 65 adapted respectively to communicate with the undercut portions 56, 51, 58, and 59. The sleeve 55 has two openings 66 and 61 adapted respectively to establish communication with the passages 32 and 33. A shouldered plate 68 closes one end of the sleeve 55, and a plate 69 closes the other end of this sleeve.

Slidable within the sleeve El is a valve spool comprising a rod portion of smaller diameter than the interior of the sleeve ill, and a pair of spacedapart valve members 1!, 12, each having a cylindrical portion 12. Each end of each cylindrical portion 13 tapers ofi therefrom, one end having taper 14, and the other end having a double taper 15.

A plug 16 is pinned into and closes one end of the sleeve 6!, and has a reduced end 11 extending into the sleeve. An elongated, slotted plate 18 extends from the plug 16, for a purpose later to be described. The rod portion of the valve spool 10 stops short of the reduced end 11, and a coil spring 80 is disposed over adjoining ends and interposed between shoulders formed by the valve member I! and the plug 15. urging the valve spool 1E9 away from the plug 15. The end of the valve spool 10 opposite the plug 16 slidably passes through the shouldered plate 58. A block 8 l is secured to this end of the spool, as by means of a screw stud 82 threaded into a recess in the spool.

The block iii (see especially Figures 17 and 18) is provided with a central, vertically extending screw-threaded aperture 83, and a key 84 is integrally formed therewith and extends from the top surface. The block 6! also has a step por tion 85 extending laterally thereof, for a purpose later to be explained.

A yoke 26 is adapted to be secured to the block 81, and comprises a ledge t1 having an elongated slot 88 passing therethrough, and a keyway 89 -formed in its lower surface. A roller 90 (Figure 11) is journalled between the legs of the yoke 31, this roller being adapted to cooperate with a rotatable flashing earn 9!. The ledge 81 seats on top of block 8!, with the key 34 fitting within the keyway 89. A bolt 95 passes through the slot 88 and is threaded into the aperture 83. It will be appreciated that the slot 88 will provide for adjustment of the ledge 81 relative to the block 8I along a line defined by the key 84.

The sleeves 55, and BI and the valve spool 10, for purposes of reference only, will hereinafter be collectively referred to as the flashing control valve.

As best seen in Figure 11, the sleeve 55 has openings 95, 91 respectively establishing communication with the exhaust passages 42, and the sleeve also has an opening 88 establishing communication with a passage 99 which is con nected with a line I 00 (see Figures 6 and 14) leading from a source of fluid pressure.

Referring again to Figures 17 and 18, the step portion 35 which extends laterally with respect to the block 8| is formed with a keyway I05 adapted to receive a key I06 extending from the under surface of a ledge I01 which is part of a yoke I08. The step portion has a pair of screw-threaded apertures I09 adapted to receive the threaded ends of bolts H0 which also pass through elongated apertures II I formed in the ledge I01. This construction provides for adjustment of the yoke I08 laterally of the block 8| for a purpose later to appear.

The spaced legs of the yoke I00 receive therebetween a tongue IIZ formed on one end II3 of a link. II4 (see Figure 10). The tongue H2 is formed with an elongated slot I I5 which receives a slide block I I6. The yoke I08 has a pair of apertures H1 and H8 formed in opposed legs, the aperture II8 being threaded to receive the threaded end of a bolt I I9, the shank of which is unthreaded and forms a pivot point about which the slide block H6, and link II4, may swing. A stud I20 is threaded through one end of the tongue H2, and has its end directed toward the slide block I IE, to provide for adjustment of the rearward travel of the block I I 6. A look nut I2 I holds the stud I 20 in adjusted position.

The link H4, as best seen in Figure 10, comprises ends I I3 and I22 joined together by a turnbuckle I23, so that the distance between ends H2 and I22 may be varied. Movement of the link II 4 is guided by slide bearings I22 carried by the valve body 28. The end I22 of the link 5 i l is pivotally connected to an car i 25 by means of a shoulder bolt I26.

Referring particularly to Figures 19 20, the ear I25 is integrally connected to and extends laterally from a slide box I21, which cornprises ends I28, I 29 and sides I30 which form therebetween spaced-apart slide surfaces I31. The ends I20, I29 have aligned apertures 132 into which are press-fitted bearings I33. These bearings journal 9, jack shaft I34 which has a threaded portion I35 and a squared end I35. The shaft is held against axial movement by a shoulder I31 adapted to bear against an adjoining surface of the slide box I21, and by a nut I33 (see Figure 3) threaded on a threaded extremity H39 of the shaft. It will be appreciated that suitable thrust washers will be interposed between the shoulder I31 and nut I38 and the adjoining surfaces of the slide box I21 to prevent binding of the shaft against rotative movement.

A slide nut I40 is threaded on the shaft I34, opposite surfaces II of the nut having sliding engagement with respective surfaces i3i of the slide box I21. Extending upwardly from the slide nut is a pintle I42 about which is journalled a roller I43. The roller I43 is held in position on the pintle I42 by means of a stud 144 which is threaded into an opening in the pintle. A

pointer I45 is also held in position by the stud I44. The roller I43 is adapted to ride in a slot I45 formed in the plate 13 which is formed integral with the plug 16 secured to the sleeve GI (see Figure 11).

The end I28 of the slide box I21 has an upwardly extending bracket I49 to which one end of a coil spring I50 is secured (see Figure the opposite end of this spring being anchored to a stud I51 carried by one of the slide bearings I24. The spring I50 is provided to yieldably hold the slide box I21 in its initial position.

As best seen in Figures 19 and 20, the lower portion I52 of the end I29 oi the slide box IE1 is formed with a pair of apertures I53 (only one being visible in Figure 20) for passing bolts which are threaded into apertures I55 formed in a hearing block I56, so that the block is rigidly held to the end I21. The block I56 is formed with an aperture I51 into which is press-fitted a bearing 53 to form a journal for a pin I551. The pin I59 is rigidly carried by an ear I69 which is integrally with and extends laterallyfrom the valve body 28.

With respect to the construction just described, it will be appreciated that the slide nut Mi) may be adjusted to any desired position within the slide box I21, by proper rotation of the shaft I34. Adjustment may be made so that the axis of the roller I43 is directly in line with the axis of the pin I59, or is spaced therefrom a progressively increasing distance, the setting of the roller I43 being readable upon a scale IE5 on the plate 18. The roller I43 forms the connection between the slide box I21 and the plate '58, the slide box I21 pivoting about the pin I55 and transmitting movement to the plate 13 only when the roller I43 is displaced from axial alignment with the pin I59, the movement being dependant upon the amount the roller I43 is displaced from the axis of the pin I59.

Prior to engagement of the flashing cam 55 with the roller 99, the springs 89 and I59 have returned the valve spool 19 and the sleeve BI to positions shown in Figure 11a, wherein the valve members 1!, 12 have moved rearwardly to uncover ports 63, 65 to permit fluid (oil in this case) under pressure to pass from inlet pipe I59 through passage 99 to undercut portion 53, through ports I54 and interior of sleeve 5I, past valve member 12, through ports 55, undercut portion 59, through port 66, and through passage 32 (Figure 5). This effects a rearward or retracting movement of the platen, under certain conditions to be later explained. Returning fluid will flow through passage 33 (Figure 5) port ill and enlargement 51 in sleeve 55, port 53 of sleeve 52 (Figure 11) past valve member 1i to the interior of sleeve 6|, through port 52 in sleeve 5i, enlargement 56 and ports 91 in sleeve 55, through passage 42 and to exhaust 38.

In operation, when the flashing cam 9i (see Figure 11) is rotated so that its cam surface Ella presses against the roller 99 to urge the valve spool 10 against the action of the spring 99, the spool '10 will quickly move to the position shown in Figures 5 and 11, because the cam surface am has a fast rise. In such position, the valve members ll, 12 block all flow from the inlet pipe 59 through any of the valve ports. Such initial movement of the spool will not affect movement of the sleeve BI since the block IE6 (see Figure 18) must travel a short distance in the slot H5 formed in the tongue I52 of the link H4, in order to bear against the forward de- 6 fining surface of the slot. Movement of the block H6, through movement of the spool 19, it will be appreciated, is effected by reason of the connection of the block IIfi with the yoke I98 carried by the block SI which is secured by the valve spool 10.

When the block H6 has bottomed in the slot H5, continuing action of the cam surface Qlb on the roller 99 will move the valve spool 15 and also efiect forward (or downward with respect to relation of parts shown in Figure 5) movement of the link I I4.

Movement of the link I I4 efiects pivotal movement of the slide box I21 about pivot I59. When the roller I43 is positioned directly in axial alignment with the pin I59, the slide box I21 will turn about the pin I59, but no movement will be imparted to the plate 18 and thus there will be no movement of the sleeve BI, so that only the valve spool 19 is moved by action of the flashing cam SI. In such case, the valve spool moves relative to the then stationary sleeve 'EI so that the tapered portions 14 of valve members 1|, 12 gradually uncover ports 63 and 65 in the sleeve 5L Thus, fluid under pressure may flow from inlet pipe I55, through passage 99 (see Figure 11) port 98 in sleeve 55, undercut portion 58, ports 54 of sleeve BI, through the interior of sleeve 5|, past valve member 1|, through ports 63 in sleeve 6|, undercut portion 51 and port 61 in sleeve 55, and through passage 33 (Figure 5). Simultaneously, fluid may flow from passage 32 through port as and undercut portion 59 in sleeve 55, through port 65 in sleeve BI (Figure 11) past valve member 12, through the interior of sleeve (ii to the interior of sleeve 55 at under cut portion Eli, through port 95 in sleeve 55, through passage 42, and to exhaust passage 31.

When the roller I43 is moved from axial alignment with pin I59, as for example to the position shown in Figure 5, the flashing cam surface 9Ib moves valve spool ll! and also link H4, and this link will cause the slide box I21 to pivot about pin I59, but such pivoting action will now cause forward (or downward as viewed in Figure 5) movement of the sleeve 6 I, because the roller I43 will swing about an are a (Figure 5). However, in this position of parts the valve spool will still travel relative to the sleeve GI, despite the fact that both are now moving, although it will be appreciated that the opening of valve ports will be at a lesser rate of speed than when the roller I43 was in alignment with the axis of the pin I59. Infinite relative adjustment may be effected, until the roller is positioned at the extreme end (left end in Figure 5) of the slot I55 in the plate 13, wherein it will be substantially in direct alignment with the forward pivot of the link lid, which forward pivot is formed by the bolt I25, and in such case the sleeve 6| and spool 16 will travel substantially in unison and no port opening will be effected.

From the foregoin it will be obvious that the roller Hi3 may be adjusted along the slot 45 in the plate it, merely by rotating the screw I34, to eiiect proper movement of the slide nut I45 in the slide box I21. Thus, a great range of valve port openings is easily provided, without requiring replacement of any part.

When the flashing cam SI has rotated 360, the roller 99 will drop into the cam recess Sic (see Figure 11) and the springs and I50 will return the valve spool 19 and sleeve BI to their starting positions, as shown in Figure 11a. Rearward movement of the sleeve 6| may be regulated by proper adjustment of the screw stud I28 (Figures 17 and 18) so that the slide block I I 8 abuts the stud end and comes to rest in any desired position in the slot I I of the tongue I I2. Thus, it may be possible to restrict movement of the slide block H6 in the slot H5, so that the valve spool 10 and link H4 always start their movement at the same time.

Further differential relative movement is provided for between the valve spool 18 and the sleeve 6 I, at the start of movement by the flashing cam 9|, by means of the adjustment provided by the elongated slots III (see Figures 17 and 18) in the yoke I (I8 Shifting of the yoke I08 toward or away from the axis of the valve spool 10 will cause the slide block M6 to slightly change its position in the slot H8 of the tongue I I 2, as suggested in general manner in Figure 15, thus providing a longer lever arm (shown in dotted lines) and this longer lever arm is at an angle with respect to its shorter straight line position shown in full lines.

In the position shown in full lines, the arm (or link H4) will swing along an arc L1, whereas in the dotted line position, the arm will swing along an arc L2, the arcs intersecting at the pin I25, but diverging on either side of such pin. The amount of this divergence causes the arm, in dotted line position, to act with the plate 18 in the form of a double toggle at the very start of movement of the sleeve SI, so that at this time the sleeve has more movement than it would have if the arm were in straight line position, and therefore the flashing valve ports do not open as quickly for a corresponding movement of the flashing cam at the start of flashing operation. This provides a control over the acceleration of the platen 23 at the start of flashing and when the work is cold. Such control is extremely desirable, because one of the most critical times of flashing is at the start, because cold work offers less electrical resistance than when hot. The offset position of the link I I4 (dotted line position in Figure is also used when welding material of high electrical conductivity, or closely concentrated weld area, and in the case of the latter less end preparation is necessary for bulky weld areas.

Fitting within the cross-bore 38 of the valve body 28 is a valve which for reference only will be called the blocking valve and fitting in the cross-bore 5| is a valve which also for reference will be called the upset control valve.

Referring particularly to Figures 5, 6 and 12, the blockin valve comprises a sleeve I10 fitting within the cross-bore 30. End plates I'I'I are bolted to the valve body 28, and close off the ends of the sleeve I18 and cross-bore 38. The sleeve I18 is formed with an under-cut portion I12 and ports I13 communicating with such portion. The sleeve is also formed with ports I'M, I15, I18, I11, and I18.

A valve spool I19 is arranged within the sleeve I18 for sliding movement axially thereto. The spool comprises a body portion I88 of lesser diameter than the interior diameter of the sleeve I183, and three valve members I8I, I82 and I83. The passages 32 and 33 are also provided with enlargements, as seen in Figure 12, adjacent to the sleeve I18, to facilitate fluid flow.

The valve body 28 has two generally upright bores I84, I 85 disposed at opposite ends of the cross-bore at, these passages communicating with the interior of sleeve I18 through respective ports I18, I14. Two bores I86, I81 extend inwardly from opposite sides of the valve body and respectively communicate with the bores I84 and I85. The bores I88, I81 stop short of each other and respectively communicate with upright bores I88, I89 which lead to the top surface of the valve body 28. The bores I84, I85, I85 and I81 are suitably plugged, so that fluid passages are provided from bores I88, I88 to opposite ends of the sleeve I18.

As seen in Figure 5, passage 33 communicates with ports I15, passage 35 communicates with under-cut portion I12 and ports I13, passage 32 communicates with ports I18, and passage 34 communicates with ports I11.

A solenoid operated pilot valve I88 (see especially Figures 3 and 4) has ports I9I, I92 communicating with respective ports I88, I89 of valve body 28. The valve I98 also has ports I93, I84 communicating with ports I85, IQE (see Figures 7, 8 and 9) which lead into the valve body 28 from the upper surface thereof. Any suitable pilot valve may be used, and since such valve per se forms no part of this invention, detailed description thereof will not be provided. However, as an example, for purpose of full disclosure, a valve of type DG 5554-062, manufactured by Viclrers, Incorporated, has been successfully used. Briefly, the pilot valve I88 is of the four way balanced spool type, the spool being shifted by solenoids A and B.

As best seen in Figures '1, 8 and 9, a bore Ia is drilled lengthwise of the body 28 and inwardly from one end thereof (the right end in Figure 7) and the right end of the bore I8'5a is closed by a plug I86. A. line I91, termed the high-pressure line, leads directly from the fluid pump I88 (Figure l l) which is driven by a motor I98. The pump has a line 280 to pass fluid from the reservoir III. The line I91 communicates with a bore 26! in the body 28, and such bore communicates with a bore 282 which communicates with a line 203 leading from a pressure accumulator 284 (Figure 14). A vertical bore 255, plugged at its upper end, establishes fluid communication between the line I81 and the bore I95a.

A transverse bore 2% cuts through the bore I85a at the left (Figure '7) end of the latter, and communicates with an upright bore 26?. The upright bore communicates with a short bore 288 which leads to the bore I95. Thus, fluid communication is established from the relatively high pressure source to the bore I85. The bore I88 communicates with a short transverse bore 282'! which in turn communicates with a vertical bore ZII; leading to drain passage 38.

As suggested in Figures 3 and '1, ports I85, I98, I88 and I8!) of valve body 28 are respectively in communication with ports I93, '18s, Iii! and I82 of valve I88. The valve I98 is so designed that when solenoid B is energized, the valve spool will shift to establish, inlet-fluid communication between valve body ports I85 and I83 and exhaust-fluid communication between valve body ports I85 and I88, and the fluid pressure will flow through bores I88, I84, port I18 (Figure 12) and bear against valve member I8I to urge the valve spool I19 to the right, as viewed in Figure 12. ince the valve spool of valve I98 is of the balanced type, the solenoid B need only be energized. for a short period of time.

When solenoid A is energized, the valve I9?! is so designed that its valve spool will shift to establish inlet-fluid communication between valve body ports I85 and I89, and exhaust-fluid communication between valve body ports I96 and 9: I88, and the fluid under pressure will flow through bores I81, I85 port I14 (Figure 12) and bear against valve member I83 to urge the valve spool I19 to the left, as viewed in Figure 12. The valve spool 413 is limited in its axial movement by abutment of its ends with the closure plates Ill.

In the position of valve spool I19, as shown in Figures 5, 12 and 14, inlet-fluid from the flashing valve may flow through passage 33, through port 115, through the space between valve members 182 and I83, through port I13, undercut portion H2, passage 35 to passage 48, fluid line 53, to the rear of the piston in the cylinder 21, so .as to urge the platen in a direction wherein the opposing ends of the work to be welded are moved toward each other for flashing action.

Likewise, with the valve spool I19 in the posi-- tion shown in Figures 5, 12 and 14 fluid exhausted from the cylinder 21 will flow through line 49, passage 11, passage 34, ports I11, the space be-- tween valve members =I8I and I82 of spool I13, port I16, passage 32, ports 63 and 6-5, by valve member 12 of spool 15 and to exhaust through passages 4-2 and 31 in valve body 28. With valve spool HQ in position (see Figure 16) opposite to that shown in Figures 5, 12 and 14, valve member 582 will close port I13 to block flow of fluid to passage 35, and valve member ISI will close port E11 to block flow of fluid from passage 34, and thus no movement is imparted to the piston of cylinder 21 by fluid from the flashing valve.

The upset control valve, fitting within the crossbore iii of the valve :body 28, comprises a sleeve 2 it (see especially Figures 5 and 13). End plates 2 E S are bolted to the valve body, to close the ends of the sleeve 2I5, but in this case the plates 2 16 are apertures to slidably pass ends 2I1 and 21s, of a valve spool 2I9 which is slidably mounted within the sleeve H5.

The sleeve 2 I5 is formed with an undercut portion 220 and ports 22I communicating with the passage 35, and is also formed with ports 222, 223, and 224. Passages 34 and 35 are formed with enlargements 36, as previously described. Ports 222 and 223 are respectively in communication with enlargements 225 and 226 of respective passages 2432 and 45. The passages 2G2 and d5 are respectively above and below the plane of the section shown in Figur 5, although in the general view shown in Figure 14, such passages are shown in the same plane, for purposes of clarity. As before explained, the passage or bore 262 is connected to a line 203 which leads to the pressure accumulator 204. A pressure gauge 223 (Figure 4) may be inserted in line 203 to indicate pressure in the accumulator. A needle valve 233 is preferably inserted in line 46, to provide regulation of the return flow of fluid to the reservoir 4 l. A check valve 23I is inserted in line I91, to limit fluid flow in the direction shown by the arrow on the check valve. For purposes of draining the accumulator 204, a line 232 leads from line 203 to reservoir 4|, a shut-oil valve 233 being interposed in line 232.

The valve spool 2I9 of the upset control valve is formed with a body portion 234 of less diameter than the interior diameter of the sleeve 2l5, and with three valve members 235, 236 and 231. The valve members 235 and 231 have respective enlargements 238 and 239, forming shoulders with respective ends 2I1 and 2I8, the shoulders being adapted to abut against the interior surface of respective end plates 2H5 to limit movement of the valve spool. The end 2" has a threaded extremity, on which is threaded a cup-shaped member 240. A stud 24I threads through the bottom of the member 240, and bears against the end of the threaded extremity, to lock the member 240 in adjusted position. Th member 242 provides for adjustment of movement of the valve spool 2I9 to the left, as viewed in Figure 13, by reason of abutment of its end surface with the exterior surface of adjacent plate 2I6.

Sleeve 215 is also formed with ports 24I and 232 at its opposite ends, as best shown in Figure 13. Such ports respectively communicate with upright bores 253 and 244 in valve body 28. Horizontal bores 24% and 246 extend inwardly from each side of the valve body, and respectively intersect bores 243 and 244. Bores 225 and 246 stop short of meeting, and respectively communicate with short upright bores 241 and 248 leading to the upper surface of valve body 28.

Referring particularly to Figures 1 and 9, a pair of short upright bores 243 and 25!! lead inwardly from the upper surface of the valve body 28, and are disposed adjacent to the bores 241 and 238. The bore 249 communicates with a horizontal bore 25 I, and this latter bore communicates with an upright bore 252 leading to the passage 45 which is connected to the reservoir 4| by pipe 46. The bore 253 communicates with a horizontal bore 253, and this latter bore communicates with a vertical bore 253 which in turn communicates with a horizontal bore 255 leading to the bore 285 which connects with high pressure line I91. The bores are suitably plugged, as shown, so that the bore 250 is in communication with fluid under relatively high pressure from line E31, and bore 232% is connected to exhaust lin 45.

A valve 263 (Figure 3) similar to the valve 190, positioned on the upper surface of the valve body 23, so that its ports EM, 262, 263 and 264 are respectively in direct communication with the short upright ports 2-11, 248, 243 and 250 formed in the valve body 28. The Valve 230 has solenoids C and D which are adapted to be selectively energized to shift its spool.

When solenoid C is energized, the spool of valve 266 will shift to connect port 253 with port 221 and port 243 with port 249. Thus, fluid. under pressure flows through bores 245 and 243 (Figure 13), port 241 to the interior of sleeve 215, and bears against the adjacent surface of valve memher 231 to move valve spool 2I9 to the position shown in Figure 13. At the same time, fluid in back of valve member 235 is exhausted from sleeve 2E5 through port 242, bores 22-4, 246 and 248, passage 45, line 46, to reservoir 4i.

When solenoid D is energized, the spool of valve 266 is shifted to place valve body ports 238 and 250 in communication and Valve body ports 241 and 2&9 in communication. In this condition of ports, iiuid under pressure will flow through ports 2G8, 248, 242, 242 to the interior of sleeve 215 and bear against the adjacent surface of valv member 235 to force the valve spool 219 to the left, as viewed in Figure 13 until either the enlargement 233 bears against the interior surface of adjacent plate 215, or cup-shaped member 240 bears against the exterior surface of adjacent plate 2 11 ii. At the sam time, fluid will be exhausted from sleeve 2I5 through ports 2M, 2 33, 225, 241, passage 45, line 33, and to reservoir 4!.

With the valve spool 2 I3 in the position shown in Figures 13 and 14, it will be noted, referring to Figure 14, that fluid under pressure from the accumulator 294 may enter the sleeve ZlS, but such fluid is prevented from flowing to the passage 35 because the valve member 236 blocks the ports 22!. Likewise, fluid from passage 34 may not be exhausted through sleeve 2 l 5, because valve memher 231 blocks ports 224.

When the valve spool 2 I9 is shifted from posi-- tion shown in Figures 13 and 14, to its opposite position, shown in Figure 16, valve members 236 and 231 permit fluid flow through respective ports HI and 224. Thus, fluid under pressure from the accumulator 29s may flow through passage 202, ports 222 to the interior of sleeve M5, and through ports 22! to passage 35, passage 48, line 50, to the rear of the piston in cylinder 21. Likewise, fluid from in front of the piston in cylinder 21 may flow through line is, passages 41 and 34, ports 224 to the interior of sleeve 215, through ports 223, passage line 46, to the reservoir 4|. The needle valve 2313 regulates the speed of movement of the piston in the cylinder 21, and consequently the speed of movement of the platen 23, during the time accumulator pressure is applied to the piston in cylinder 21, by regulating the escape of fluid from the cylinder to the reservoir 1i.

It will be appreciated that the blocking valve is moved to interrupt fluid flow from the flash-- ing valve through the passages 34, 35 at the time the upset control valve established fluid flow from the accumulator 2M and drain from the cylinder 21 through passages 34, 35. Preferably, the upset control valve establishes fluid flow from the accumulator just prior to the time the blocking valve interrupts fluid flow from the flashing valve, so as to provide uninterrupted pressure on the piston of the cylinder 2?, and thus avoid any hesitation in the upsetting action.

Means are provided for synchronizing operation of the flashing valve, the blocking valve, and the upset control valve, and the electrical diagram disclosed in Figure 21 shows a circuit for such purpose.

In operation, the motor I99 of the pump W8 is started by means of a manual starter which may be of any well known type and therefore need not be described. The work to be welded is then placed in the dies 2l22 and 2 l-25, and the respective dies are moved to clamp respective work pieces, Electrically, this may be effected by depressing a foot switch comprising parts 26! and. 262 (Figure 21) which actuate relays 263 and 264 for effecting operation of clampingsolenoid-air valves. When proper clamping pressure is reached, clamp pressure switches 2G5 and 266 will close and initiate an electrical circuit through the starter of the sequence motor 25?.

The sequence motor 28? rotates a cam shaft 268 (Figure 11) carrying the flashing cam 91 and three fingers 269, 21B, 21! (Figure 11b) which are adapted to operate respective limit switches. The weld start limit switch 2 12 (Figures 1117 and 21) which was held open up to this point will now be closed by finger 269, so as to start weld current to flow to the welding dies, and the platen start limit switch 273 will be momentarily tripped by finger 2'36 to energize solenoid A of pilot valve I98 and also momentarily energize solenoid C of pilot valve to insure that the spool of this latter valve is in proper posi tion, so that the upset control is in closed position.

Energization of solenoid A of pilot valve 195] will cause opening of the blocking valve (positions shown in Figures and 14) Since the sequence motor 26! is rotating the shaft 258, the flashing cam 9| is rotating to cause opening of the valve ports of the flashing valve, and this valve is shown at the start of flashing operations in Figures 5 and 11, the spool m and sleeve 64 already having moved relatively from their positions shown in Figure 11a.

In this condition of ports, fluid from line Hlii passes through the gradually opening ports in sleeve BI and passes through passage 33, through ports I15 of sleeve ill] of the blocking valve, through sleeve I10 to ports H3, through passages 35 and 48, line 50, to the rear of the piston in cylinder 27, so as to move the platen forwardly, whereby the sets of welding dies are caused to approach each other and cause flashing of the adjoining ends of the metal. Fluid in front of the piston in the cylinder 21 is exhausted through line 49, passages 41 and 34, ports ill, sleeve ill), ports H8 of the blocking valve, passage 32, ports 66, B5 of the flashing valve, through the interior of sleeve 6| to space t9, and thence downwardly through passage 42 to exhaust con-, duit 31.

At this time, it is pointed out that the fluid supply conduit Hill leads from a line 2'55 which is connected to the pump I93. Interposed in the line H5 is a pressure reducing valve tie and a relief valve 211. A drain pipe 2% leads from the pressure reducing valve 276, to vent bypassed fluid to the reservoir 41. A drain pipe 21's leads from the relief valve 21? to vent bypassed fiuid to the reservoir ll, and an oil cooler 289 is interposed in the line 219. The valves 21B and 2?? are so set that fluid pressure entering line I00 is less than pressure of fluid flowing through line I97 which connects to line M5 in advance of relief valve 22 as is clearly shown in Figure 14. Thus, the upset pressure delivered by accumulator 28 1 will be greater than the flashing pressure delivered through line 1st.

After a predetermined amount of flashing, by movement of platen 23 in the direction or" the arrow F, Figure la, to cause movement of the articles between dies 2 1-25 and 25-42 in a direction toward and into engagement with each other, a T-cam 2i! secured to the platen 23, as seen in Figure la, and movable therewith, closes the upset limit switch 28i to bring relay 282 into operation and also initiate time delay unit 283. Electrical contact between points 284 and by actuation of points 282m of relay 282, brings solenoid D of valve 25!} into the circuit, to open the upset control valve. After a very brief time, the time delay 283 times out and closes its contacts 253a thus energizing solenoid B of valve its to close the blocking valve. Thus upset pressure is applied to the platen prior to the time the flashing pressure is cut oil, to thereby eliminate any ragged movement or hesitation of the platen.

'Upsetting movement or" the platen continues to a predetermined forward position, and at some time during the upsetting movement, the weld current is preferably cut-oil by interengageinent of the T-cam 21! with the current cut-oil limit switch 284. Further movement of the platen 23 in the direction of the arrow F, Figure 1a, causes the T-cam 2?! to engage and close forward stop limit switch 285, to energize relays 23s and 281 which in turn energize solenoid C of pilot valve 260 to close the upset control valve, and also energize solenoid A of pilot control valve I to open the blocking valve, and also de-energize the clamping solenoid valves.

Closure of platen return switch 288 energizes solenoid C of pilot valve 260. It is to be remembered that the action of de-energize or dropping 13': out of any of the solenoids does not necessarily mean that any motion takes place, inasmuch as the valve spool of either valve I90 or 260 will remain at one end or the other, depending on which solenoid was last energized.

As the platen moves to reverse position, in the direction shown by arrow R in Figure 1a, the T-cam 2' will ride over the platen rear stop limit switch 290 to energize relay 2E and also time delay 292. Relay 291 energizes solenoid B of pilot valve 190 and stops platen reverse travel. After a short time, the time delay 292 times out to open contact 293 and thus de-energize relay 29!. This de-energizes solenoid B of pilot valve H0. The machine is now in standby position, at rest and ready to begin a new weld cycle if desired. The time delay 292 will remain timed out until after the platen starts forward and moves the T-cam 2' off the reverse stop limit switch 29%), at which time it will reset.

It should be noted that the sequence motor 261, which was started by the closing of the clamping pressure switches 265, 266, went through its operational cycle and was stopped by the finger 2'll tripping the sequence stop limit switch 294. This was entirely independent of the platen travel except that the platen could not reach its full reverse position until the sequence motor had turned the flashing cam 9| around to start position, that is, the position wherein the cam follower 90 drops into the hollow spot Blc of the cam.

In view of the foregoing, it will be apparent to those skilledin the art that I have accomplished at least the principal object of my invention, and it also will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments herein described may be variously changed and modified, without departing from the spirit of the invention, and that the invention is capable of uses and has advantages not herein specifically described, hence it will be appreciated that the herein disclosed embodiment is illustrative only, and that my invention is not limited thereto.

I claim:

1. Means for controlling operation of fluid lcylinder means, comprising: a valve body having a bore communicating with fluid inlet and outlet ports; a sleeve reciprocable within said bore; a spool reciprocable within said sleeve, said sleeve and said spool having means providing valve ports for controlling fluid flow between said inlet and outlet ports; first means for effecting movement of said spool; second means connecting said flrstmeans to said sleeve, said second means being'adjustable to provide for variation of the amount of movement of said sleeve through action of said first means, thereby to provide for relative movement of said spool and said sleeve to provide control of said valve ports.

2. Means for controlling operation of fluid cylinder means, comprising: a valve body having a bore communicating with fluid inlet and outlet ports; a sleeve reciprocable within said bore; a spool reciprocable within said sleeve, said sleeve and said spool having means providing valve ports for controlling fluid flow between said inlet and outlet ports; cam means for effecting movement of said spool; link means generally movable with said spool; a pivotal member connected to said link means; and means adjustable relative to the pivot of said pivotal member, establishing adjustable connection between said pivotal member and said sleeve, whereby said spool and said sleeve may be moved generally in 14 unison or relative to each other depending u the position of said adjustable connection.

3. Means for controlling operation of fluid cylinder means, comprising: a valve body having a bore communicating with fluid inlet and outlet ports; a sleeve reciprocable within said bore; a spool reciprocable within said sleeve, said sleeve and said spool having means providing valve ports for controlling fluid flow between said inlet and outlet ports; cam means for effecting movement of said spool; link means generally movable with said spool; a pivotal member connected to said link means; means adjustable relative to the pivot of said pivotal member, establishing adjustable connection between said pivotal member and said sleeve, whereby said spool and said sleeve may be moved generally in unison or relative to each other depending upon the position of said adjustable position; and means to vary the effective relative position of said link means, to provide control of valve port openings at the start of movement caused by said cam means.

4. Means for controlling operation of fluid cylinder means, comprising a valve body having a bore communicating with fluid inlet and outlet ports, a pair of means movable within said bore and movable relative to each other, said pair of means controlling flow of fluid between said inlet and outlet ports, first operating means engageable with one of said pair of means at one end of said bore, and second operating means engageable with the other of said pair of means at the opposite end of said bore, said first and second operating means being interconnected so that movement of one efiects movement of the other.

5. Means for controlling operation of fluid cylinder means, comprising a valve body having a bore communicating with fluid inlet and outlet ports, a sleeve axially reciprocable within said bore, a spool axially reciprocable within said sleeve, said sleeve and spool providing valve ports for controlling flow of fluid between said inlet and outlet ports, first operating means at one end of said bore for efiecting axial movement of said spool, second operating means at the other end of said bore for effecting axial movement of said sleeve, and means interconnecting said first and second operating means, and being adjustable whereby said sleeve and spool may move in unison or may move at varying difierential speeds.

6. Means for controlling operation of a fluid cylinder, comprising a valve body having a bore communicating with fluid inlet and outlet ports, a sleeve axially reciprocable within said bore, a spoolaxially reciprocable within said sleeve, said sleeve and spool providing valve ports for controlling flow oi fluid between said inlet and outlet ports, first operating means at one end of said bore for effecting axial movement of said spool, second operating means at the other end of said bore for effecting axial movement of said sleeve, and means interconnecting said first and second operating means and being adjustable whereby said sleeve and spool may move in unison or may move at varying diflerential speeds, said interconnecting means including a lost motion connection providing for movement of said spool to a predetermined position prior to any movement of said sleeve.

7. Means for controlling operation of a fluid cylinder, comprising a valve body having a bore communicating with fluid inlet and outlet ports, a sleeve axially reciprocable within said bore, a spool axially reciprocable within said sleeve, link means extending the length of said bore and having pivotal connection with said sleeve at one end of said bore and pivotal connection with said spool at the other end of said bore, at least one of said pivotal connections being adjustable transversely of the line of extent of said link means for adjustment purposes.

8. Means for controlling operation of a fluid cylinder, comprising a valve body having a bore communicating with fluid inlet and outlet ports, a sleeve axially reciprocable within said bore, a spool axially reciprocable within said sleeve, and means correlating movements of said sleeve and spool whereby they may move in unison or at varying differential speeds comprising a first slotted member having connection with one of said sleeve and spool and a second slotted member having connection with the other of said sleeve and spool and having pivotal connection with said first slotted member, and means for shifting such pivotal connection.

9. Means for controlling operation of a fluid cylinder, comprising a valve body having a bore communicating with fluid inlet and outlet ports, a sleeve axially reciprocable within said bore, a spool axially reciprocable within said sleeve, link means having one end connected to said spool at one end of said bore, and means for connecting said link means to said sleeve at the opposite end of said bore comprising a slide box pivotally carried by said valve body and pivotally connected to said link means, a slotted member in juxtaposed position with respect to said slide box and connected to said sleeve, and pivot means shiftably mounted in said slide box and providing a pivot slidable to any selected position in the slot of said slotted member.

10. Hydraulic control apparatus for a flash welder having a normally fixed platen and a movable platen operated by a fluid pressure motor, said apparatus acting to control the movement of the movable platen during a welding cycle and comprising in combination a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure, a valve for controlling the flow of fluid from said source to said motor, said valve having two relatively movable valve elements, a secondary motor, vari-. able motion transmitting mechanism interconnecting said secondary motor and said valve elements to move said valve elements relatively in such manner that the movement of the platen will follow a predetermined position-speed relationship during the flashing period of said cycle.

11. Apparatus in accordance with claim andwherein the variable motion transmitting means interconnecting the secondary motor and the valve elements includes a mechanical interconnection between said secondary motor and one of the said valve elements, the said mechanical interconnection including a fixed pivot and a secondary pivot movable toward and away from said fixed pivot to form a variable fulcrum with respect to the mechanical interconnection and the said valve element.

12. In a hydraulic control for a flash welder having a normally fixed platen and a movable platen, a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure, a fluid pressure operated motor connected to said movable platen for moving the same, a valve having two relatively movable elements for controlling the flow of fluid from said source to said motor, a secondary motor comprising a cam adapted to directly move one of said valve elements, variable motion transmitting means interconnecting the other of the said elements and the said cam, the said means comprising a mechanism having a fixed pivot and a secondary pivot movable toward and away from said fixed pivot to form a variable fulcrum with respect to the mechanism and the said valve element, the arrangement being such that the said movable platen follows a predetermined position-speed relationship during the flashing period of said cycle.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 939,792 Blumel Nov. 9, 1909 955,852 Coyle Apr. 26, 1910 1,258,337 Imblum Mar. 5, 1918 1,741,833 Ferris Dec. 31, 1929 1,892,208 Ferris et al. Dec. 27, 1932 1,938,762 Haas Dec. 12, 1933 1,957,759 Coates et a1. May 8, 1934 2,002,007 Hanson May 21, 1935 2,298,051 Gordon et a1. 1 Oct. 6, 1942 2,304,784 Donaldson Dec. 15, 1942 2,359,324 Marcaux Oct. 3, 1944 2,361,801 Towler Oct. 31, 1944 2,363,179 Harrington Nov'. 21', 1944 2,373,226 Coates Apr. 10, 1945 2,380,705 Proctor July 31, 1945 2,500,450 Carleton Mar. 14, 1950 2,500,538 Gordon Mar. 14, 1950 2,516,449 Coates' July 25, 1950 2,640,134 Doutt May 26, 953

FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 280,659 Great Britain Nov. 24, 1927 

